Chapter 3- Understanding Under the Stars
Rei never knew that you could make a friend so easily. People made it out to be such a complicated process. Yet, here she was walking next to Misato as though they were friends. Of course Misato was blabbering away, trying to explain love. Rei was just having fun listening to each different explanation and Misato get flustered so easily.
They were about three blocks from NERV's entrance. The streetlights had come one a little while ago and the night was clear. Star twinkled above, the moon seemingly guiding them through the sky.
"Do you think the third children loves me?" Rei asks out of nowhere.
Misato stops dead in her tracks, a bit astonished by Rei's forwardness. This was what Asuka meant. Could it be possible? Could it be allowed? I mean, somewhere in the gene pool those two are related. Maybe closer then I know of, Misato thinks quickly.
The thoughts continued to race through her head. Then she came to another thought. That Asuka liked Shinji. But did Asuka love him? Rei apparently did. Then again, Rei didn't even know what love was yet, let alone any of these new found feelings.
Misato looked at Rei and saw the faint red glow along her cheek line, along with the patience of waiting for an answer.
"I don't know," Misato said honestly. "I can't decide my own feelings let alone Shinji's. You will just have to ask him."
"But is he not supposed to ask me?" Rei asks a bit confused. She had read many books, and some of them had elements of romance in them. In the romance books, the guy always asks the girl. "In my books-" Rei began.
"That is all fantasy, nothing in life happens that way," Misato says look8ing off to the side. "My life was nowhere near one of those books. Is yours like that?"
"I wish I really knew. I try to remember, but most of the memories are just blurs," she says, a bit saddened.
"Sorry," Misato says placing a hand on her shoulder. "You're trying to change that. That is good."
Rei nodded and smiled faintly. They continued to walk to NERV, trying to make sense of boys and love and life and how they all fit. Of course, Misato did most of the talking, Rei not having any idea what would happen after tonight and Misato having more experience.
The blue haired pilot listened intently though, learning all that the purple haired woman could teach her. Misato was amazed that the sixteen-year-old Eva pilot never went on an all out shopping spree either. No wonder Rei has nothing else to wear, right? She didn't understand how this girl missed out. Then again she had no mother, no sister, aunt, or any other female influence on her life. Well now she has me, Misato thought triumphantly.
A few moments and detailed explanations about the joy of shoes later they were standing outside of NERV. Fuyustki was sitting outside, just looking at the sky. Rei and Misato looked at each other, eyes asking the other what he was doing.
"Beautiful setting, isn't it?" he says, not removing his gaze from the heavens. "Especially to tell someone you love them. Whither it be as a friend, family, or soul mate. No one should let this opportunity pass. Not like most have."
Misato was puzzled by his comments, but Rei stared at the man understandingly.
"Yes sir. I agree," Rei says standing completely straight.
"Commander Ikari has told the third children that he can stay at one of two places, while the second children gets ready to leave," he says. "I believe you were told, Ayanami?"
She nods her head. Misato's jaw dropped in surprise and dismay. Why wasn't she told of this? She was Shinji guardian after all.
"Heh, excuse me, sir, but what do you mean?" Misato says a bit angrily, trying to control herself.
"Ikari has given his son a choice to temporarily stay with him or Rei."
"What?! He gave a sixteen year old boy that choice!"
"Yes. He believes it to be a win-win situation. Shinji is away from the second children during this horrid time and Rei is given constant hum interaction.
"How deep of human interaction does the commander want and why wasn't I informed? I am his guardian!" she says taking a step forward.
"And the commander is his parent, Major Katsuragi," he says in a calm, but stern voice. "He should be out soon, Major. Take him home, allow him to get some things for the next week and escort him and Ayanami to her residence."
Misato, still upset, tensely nodded her head. Fuyustki stood up and turned to leave.
"Good night Major," he says to Misato. He turns his head to Rei. "Remember what I said, Ayanami."
Rei nods her head before looking up at the sky herself. Could she tell him? Was that possible?
Yes of course it was, she thought. Many people do this on a daily basis. Of course it was after weeks of being with each other. Yet, we have fought together against Angels, would that not draw us closer?
Misato disrupts the peace by lightly tapping on her shoulder.
"Did you understand a word he just said about telling someone that you love them?"
"Yes," Rei says with a soft, true smile. "A part of me did."
NeoAthena: Hey. How am I doing so far? This was just a kind of there chapter…something to shove in between. I don't own Evangelion blah blah blah…you know the deal. I thank everyone who has reviewed "Findings of Myself" so far. Some of the refrences, like the Gendo in the last chapter would be better understood if you read my story "Days to Remember" which is all about Gendo and Yui. Now I will shut up so see you!